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LPGA’s decision on Lexi Thompson expected on Friday

Fifteen-year-old Lexi Thompson should find out soon whether she’ll be able to double her LPGA schedule in 2011.

Thompson’s camp wants the tour to let the Coral Springs phenom enter 12 events next year, six more than she played in 2010 as a non-member of the LPGA.

Commissoner Michael Whan faces a tricky decision, balancing his tour’s need for more exposure and sponsors’ dollars with the needs of rank-and-file members.

A week ago, the LPGA announced its 25-event schedule, which included just 12 domestic events.

Whan said he expects to have three more in 2012, but the long-hitting, telegenic Thompson – who finished runner-up at the Evian Masters and 10th in the U.S. Women’s Open – could help attract and appease sponsors hoping to get more bang for their buck with women’s golf.

Thompson, who will turn 16 on Feb. 10, isn’t seeking full membership on the tour, which requires that players be at least 18. But she does want more starts through sponsor exemptions set aside for LPGA members.

A look at the 2010 money list shows many LPGA members in the 75-125 range don’t get much more than a dozen starts.

Some tour veterans think Thompson should have to wait, even if she already can compete against the world’s best.

The LPGA has waived its age requirement only for Boca Raton’s Morgan Pressel and South Korea’s Aree Song.

“She’s a great player, but she’s also very young,” two-time major winner Cristie Kerr said of Thompson at last month’s LPGA Tour Championship. “That’s the rule. It’s to protect the people who are members.”

Angela Stanford, 33 and a four-time winner, said last week at Morgan Pressel’s charity event that Thompson’s request is unreasonable based on the LPGA’s shrinking schedule.

“She’s a great talent, but I don’t think it’s right,” she said. “I don’t think she should have more opportunities than the membership.”

If the petition is rejected, Alexis Thompson would tee it up in six LPGA events, the U.S. Open, possibly the British Open and several international events. She is scheduled to play the Australian Women’s Open in February and the Australian Ladies Masters in in March.